ms-neleh

[ms-neleh]

AppleCare+

Got a new iPhone recently also coz mom’s phone battery died. I was at the store selecting a case...

The sales helping me asked if I had AppleCare+, to which I do. He goes “then you don’t need a case, you get a free one anyway if you break it.”

Tbh, I would’ve had the same thought some years ago. Altho, knowing what we know now about climate change and having worked in fashion seeing the waste... I said “nah, we should still protect what we own, it would be a waste of resources wouldn’t it?”

Buy quality that last. Take care, repair, don’t replace... If you can help it.

All the “30-day satisfaction guarantee” or “extended care” are for unfortunate accidents or created for product confidence. Not for us to abuse and create more waste.

To Harari’s point - human are much better at coming up with good ideas, then knowing how to use them properly.

Take care of earth, there is only one. 🙏🏻

[ms-neleh]

the one

some people want to find “the perfect one”;

some try to be better for each other every day.

my fav quote from Mother Theresa:

“Do not think that love, in order to be genuine, has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired.”

I’d rather someone that never stops trying. You?

[ms-neleh]

Rational?

After listening to modern relationship problems, uncle said:

“Maybe it is not because no one can find someone they like enough anymore. Maybe it is because everyone likes themselves too much now.”

[ms-neleh]

“prac·ti·cal·i·ty”

Maybe we had it wrong... and the challenge wasn’t in finding what is practical and learn to like it.

Maybe it was about finding your passion all along, then figure out how to make it work for your life. God knows... the motivation would’ve already been there.

[ms-neleh]

No more sugarcoating - #ClimateCrisis

Not sure how many of you feel the same, but Typhoon 10 in HK the past few years aren’t exactly the same as Typhoon Level 10 seven years ago when I first moved to HK. At that time, T10 was like a snow day to stay home and personally found it a bit fascinating to watch by the window. Now... windows are shattering and buildings are wavering. Btw, people who still walking out to get McDonald’s during T10, please remember life insurance doesn’t cover stupidity.

Weather everywhere is becoming more extreme. Last time at the Singapore Cloud Forest it had a video at the end of our visit displaying what would happen to the environment every 0.1 degree earth becomes warmer, until +5 degrees in 2100 (which by the way is not that far away). It predicted Polar Bears could become extinct as early as year 2040! I don’t know about you, but that made me tear up. Video here:

https://youtu.be/i47h1b9c17g

The Amazon Rainforest (largest rainforest in the world which is essential to cooling down our planet) has been on fire for TWO WEEKS. In 2019 it caught 84% more fire than same period last year. I don’t know how much more of a warning we would need.

I recently read Canada will ban “harmful single-use plastics” by 2021. What does this mean? Single use? As it turns out, that does not include this plastic cup I’m currently sipping my Cold Brew from at Starbucks, because it is not considered “single-use”. See? Technically we can wash it and use it again but how many of us do?? I mean less than 10% of the plastics get recycled in Canada... that is with recycle bins lying around. I don’t dare to think about countries where recycle bins are less accessible. I’m equally guilty for all the times I didn’t bring my own water bottle to my workouts, so... I don’t have all the answers other than personally use plastic as little as I can and always recycle or donate money to help end the deforestation. Which if you’re interested, you can visit this site for Rainforest Alliance.

I just know... we need to stop sugarcoating it in fear of having people panic over the climate CRISIS we are really facing... I think some panicking is warranted at this point, because “doing our best” is no longer good enough!

Stop complaining about paper straws and how we have to drink our iced drinks faster people. We are *THIS* close to an irreversible ecological chain reaction. There is only one Earth, let’s take care of it!

[ms-neleh]

“Don’t apologize nor forgive too soon.”

When I was younger, uncle told me “When it comes to more important things... don’t apologize nor forgive too soon.” tbh.. at the time I thought it was about mindgames :P but through maturing I realized it is actually one of the most sincere statements.

When you apologize too soon, it may be triggered from guilt, a knee-jerk reaction and you just want someone to tell you it is ok whatever mistake you made... whatever the motive is, it is somewhat “selfish”. Because you haven’t even thought through why you’re apologizing, or you haven’t had time to really consider how your actions made someone else feel from their perspective, and you might do it again.

When you forgive too soon though, you may not have truly accepted whatever the person did, nor really be ready to let it go. As a result, it’ll come up in every argument, or every time you can’t win a future argument. Specifically in relationships you hear people say... “Here we go again.” or “Are you ever gonna let that go?” well.. that’s not fair is it? Your relationship will also never be able to grow pass that.

Take your time.. digest and mean it when you apologize and forgive. 

[ms-neleh]

"Unfamiliar Territories”

From FMCG to learning about fashion product seasonality on an excel sheet; to adjusting budgets taken into account market feedback, assortment strategy while protecting sales plan; to building a new department in Asia, implementing a new system, meanwhile self taught distribution which I’ve never done hands on; to studying material blends and right sizing investments sometimes required with the same product vision/audacity of a buyer, and getting the trust of the teams on strategies.

Fashion Merchandise Planning was never rocket science, but it is a unique career which requires the constant balance between left and right brain, as well as working with so many different cultures and both corporate and front line staff personalities & styles. That is why I love it.

(Akasaka, Tokyo - first time meeting Japan & Korea country executives, investment review and market feedback)

(Rue de Louvois, Paris - meetings/ info overload, more sure I could never be in tech. :P  Took over Paris boss’s office for a week & being shown to the most yummy burger spot around.

(Grand Palais, Paris - the room beside Karl’s last Chanel Runway when he was alive and a memorable negotiation on 50 hrs no sleep. afterwards, wondered if I knew what I was talking about.)

Written @ Galeries Lafayette Paris 2.23.2018

“Treading in unfamiliar territories, Sometimes feels like first year uni when you went from 95% average to ...average. Don’t quit yet, You’re not tired, just uninspired. So get on a plane; Meet kind people who show you whole new perspectives; Swallow your pride; Make mistakes pronouncing words in a foreign language, then laugh at yourself; See beautiful places & eat like the locals; Learn the best of every culture; Give yourself a little patience; Take a deep breath in the winter sunshine; Open your eyes, mind & heart; Re-learn what you thought you knew; Go back stronger & kick ass.”

...because now, you would’ve improved on what you knew & learned what others do too. ;)

[ms-neleh]

“what do you see?”

The bird sees a cage;

The engineer sees metal plates and bolts;

The architect sees perfect symmetry;

The artist sees his frames in the background;

I see... 🎼

We don’t see things as they are,

We see things as we are. x

[ms-neleh]

“Roadblocks, Bottlenecks & Pain Points” in yoga and other things...

Nine years of yoga - began as a simple physical exercise, to stress relief, to (in the last few years) an inspiration for life learning and reflection.

Throughout the years, I’ve hit many “roadblocks” and “bottlenecks” in my practice. Though, each time they made me more flexible, and (somewhat) unexpectedly stronger at the same time.

I’ve taken a couple of short breaks for the move to HK and work schedules. After the first break from yoga, I felt a bit discouraged. All the flexibility I’ve “perfected”, I had to be patient with myself and relearn again. What I didn’t realize at the time was that, it was the best opportunity to rebuild my alignment and posture.

You see... the first time doing something, we may be so excited to “achieve the final result”, we unintentionally rush the foundation/details/process. When rebuilding, I had the chance to correct all the alignment again, hence enabled me to hold the poses deeper and longer, and minimizing even more the chances for injuries.

What was even more amazing, the more difficult the times for me to “turn off” work or other things, the better I became at setting that boundary to only my yoga mat & maintain my inner peace. Trust me, it comes very handy when balancing/prioritizing life tasks with a clear mind. We all need to unplug once a while to go further.

I’ve also came to realize that, each time I hit a “bottleneck” for a pose, it was because somewhere I had the wrong balance between “strength” and “flexibility”. Many guy friends have expressed to me how difficult yoga is for men due to their lack of flexibility. I always said it is only easier for girls in the beginning because of our advantage in “flexibility” but flexibility only gets us so far before we realize we need more “muscle strength”. The struggle/learning is there for both, just at different times if you plan to go deep. Hence I’ve in the recent years, added more cardio to balance the two.

I remember when I went back to doing splits for the first time after my gymnastics years, I just couldn’t get down the last 2cm to touch the ground even if I was at yoga 5 times per week. My instructor said to me, “Let go. Stop fighting it and let gravity do the work. Yes, it’ll hurt.” I did! hurt like hell but I got there sooner than... (perhaps) never. :) and I have so much more to thank him for than just that pose.

Notice where it may fear you or you tend to procrastinate the most, that is precisely where you need to put in the work, with strength & softness (no not mutually exclusive), in both yoga and life. But says who work has to be boring, you can absolutely do it with a little pride and a cute outfit.

Afterall, “to make living an art, that is the goal.” x

[ms-neleh]

Phoebe’s Céline & “Made-in” pour la petite bourgeoisie

The first season I launched with Celine was also my idol Phoebe Philo’s last after her 10-year tenure.

Remember the first ever luxury handbag I wanted in school was “the Paddington” (when Phoebe was still the Creative Director at Chloe). It is now making a comeback if you paid attention to Chloe’s advertisements for FW19 Season - the “Aby” bag with the same lock design.

Phoebe fans (aka “Philophiles”) followed her for the fine design details and more so her determination to “take fashion back to reality”. A working mom of three, she empowered women to dress with confidence. In her lines we rarely seen tight fitting/revealing designs, but classy, functional, comfortable and minimalist pieces of “wearable art”.

At the Atelier on Rue Vivienne, she worked with her design team to innovate new material blends (such as the double-faced wool on the famous Crombie Coat) and new sewing techniques. Not words nor pictures can do her designs justice, as you’d really have to go into the stores to try and feel the fabrics to appreciate her work - hence Céline never took to E-Comm during her time.

Without getting too technical here, the “Made-in” line was special because of the “corner piping adhesion technology” which did not require stitching.

Here are some photos from our HK FA18 Trunk Show, a month before the launch.

“Made-in” Clutch

“Made-in” Tote full line

Natural/Red

Black/White

Market research today (yes shopping), I stumbled upon these on the Aritzia website. Obviously no sophisticated sans-stitching technology, but they make cute beach/yoga bags no? If you’re like me who feels a bit guilty to spend $2K CAD on a bag to “toss around” (don’t tell my ex-boss or perhaps future boss too), this can be a fun alternative. Well not to mention, 95% of the “Made-in” were sold out at Trunk Show previews anyway.

Originally $128 CAD, now on sale at $40 - $50 CAD.

Links below the pictures if you’re interested.

https://www.aritzia.com/en/product/south-beach-carryall/70887.html?dwvar_70887_color=12770

https://www.aritzia.com/en/product/south-beach-carryall/71638.html?dwvar_71638_color=7080

Are you a “Philophile” too?

[ms-neleh]

Learning & Unlearning

Recently, Mercer’s survey showed HK remains the most expensive city to live for expats.

Personally been meaning to jot down my thoughts having lived there... of course much of it was personal choice of lifestyle.

There were three main things consumed almost all of my time living there - worrrrkkkkkkk (for the next salary increase, next promotion, next offer... had no idea what my end game was for a while but ultimately reached my goal), driiiiiiiiink (to de-stress from work and to see other stressed out alcoholic friends 😹) & staying healthy (ironically...  intoxicate then detox). Then go back to working hard again to pay for the high cost of living, be it rent on the multi-million dollar shoebox, $30 CAD cocktails, premium fresh produces, or $200 CAD gym memberships. Again, some of them personal choices, but when you work so hard you wanna “treat yourself”.

Don’t get me wrong, it was the most valuable experience and so worth the “tuition fee”, because some learning & unlearning could only happen when you’re truly removed from familiarity.

Career Trajectory - For those who’s seen the HK job market, it is almost impossible to turn down some of the opportunities. Remember I was still tempted when approached during my three-months notice period & I would’ve stayed (again), *IF* career was my only priority, just I decided it wasn’t anymore. Bestie was right the last time I was contemplating on the LVMH offer, “the longer you stay here, these offers will keep getting better.” But everyone knew, I just wasn’t ready to re-evaluate my life yet.

Personal Relationships - In a transient city such as HK, friendships and relationships could be on a short-term mentality. (I remember feeling commitment-phobic to even renew a gym contract, because “I wasn’t sure if I’d be here next year still”.) The emphasis of being “self-sufficient” both financially and emotionally, constantly put career/money at a priority.

People always asked me if it’s hard to date in HK. Sure! For all the reasons everyone’s heard. Though, it is also a personal choice, ie. cancelling on dinners/drinks for work all the time; flying for a long business trip after one or two dates; choosing to see friends who I never had time for over dates. If relationships were truly a priority, I would’ve chosen a less demanding job, but again... the importance to be self-sufficient.

Travels - Business (which was eye-opening and glamorous, but also whirlwind and absolutely insane) or personal, the exposure and convenience was amaaazingggg. It also provided a break from the hustle and (at least for me) alcohol. Just depends on if you actually have time to take leave, and can truly detach from work phone and laptop.

Above all, overcoming limiting beliefs and pushing my own limits. Sounds ... but I surprised myself I didn’t whine about the non-stop work-flight-work without sleep for 50 hrs; the three weeks of 12-14 hr days without a single day off; the presentations & meetings disregarding a fever and any personal emotions; the constant need for multi-tasking to prep for the next meetings in the midst of presenting in one meanwhile delegating work to my assistant; or the effort for that little bit of work-life balance with working on the budget while marinating a steak; squeezing in a workout at 6am and realizing how good that feels. What it really means that “you’ll make time for what is important”. ..and finally, letting it all go. I need to think longer term now, which this experience has me much better prepared for whatever future holds.

I’ve learned to “not need anyone” and currently re-learning to consider others in my decisions, while not to compromise my own balance. and... how do you ask for help...? lol

What are you learning now?

[ms-neleh]

Sugar Free Cinnamon Dolce Latte ...with lactose free milk

1. “If your coffee order is more than four words, you’re part of the problem.” I guessed I was part of the problem since Uni, missed this soooo much. Now Starbucks offers 6 types of sweetners, 9 types of creamers & 14 (!) types of syrups - officially developing a minor case of “aboulomania”.

2. I swear... If I have to answer ONE more person if I came back because of the “riots” in HK...

3. Are my boxes arriving yet...? coz I think I packed too much “summer vacation” clothing and shipped by sea everything else. Now I gotta go “market research” to prepare interview attires for the jobs I haven’t applied for.

[ms-neleh]

Organizing old travel photos and found this one of great grandma holding me. I miss her! 💕

Mama says I used to smile all the time, I told her you can’t smile *all the time* in fashion. In fact you shouldn’t smile AT ALL 🌚

Look! “5 years” and 2 months old today. ...Coz parents out there still saying their kids are 24 months old.. TWO.. your kids are TWO. 

[ms-neleh]

Happy One Month

requested for the last 3 digits of my cell # to be the date I left HK.

It’s been a month now of ongoing adjustments, enjoying the summer, home workouts, still not...being an adult. 

to be fair.. I did attempt to do “market research” on Bloor St over the weekend. the result though? came home with a Moose Knuckles coat.

Now I’m bored and the workaholic tendencies are kicking in again.. Time to send out the first CV!

[ms-neleh]

Not “that nice”

Since little, a lot of us have been taught how to “give more than you take”. ...especially growing up in a traditional Asian family, as a girl we should always be “compromising”, “understanding”, “accepting”...

No offense, but while most of them attempt to teach us how to be a “better” person, they are not always right.

Is it always better to give more than take? I think “give what you can” is much more sustainable and healthy.

Giving too much could make us burn out quickly. When unappreciated also makes you resentful toward the people you’re giving to, and reluctant to give again in the future. Even worse, what if giving so much forms a level of “control”/ “entitlement” you feel over the person you’re giving to? How does that benefit anyone?

Maybe the “modern fairytale” is - I’ll take care of myself to the best of my ability for those I love, and expect they do the same. So at the end of the day, we will have what it takes to look after each other.

Imagine a shield now around my “inner-peace” - no bad vibe, drama,  judgement is allowed to enter. Anyone who has issues with my boundaries is more than welcome to walk out of my life. No attitude, but you can go n’ work on yourself.

The best compliment I’ve received from people during this period of leaving and reconnecting -

“You are so much more strong & confident than I remember.”

I know. Thank you, sincerely. x

[ms-neleh]

“Grow as we go”

Having dealt with the impossible schedule, I’ve overcame a mindset which being an over-thinker I always struggled with.

I always worried about things which haven’t happened yet; or constantly wanting to ensure perfection and control the outcome even with all the unknown factors.

I did realize, worries like that are sometimes counter-productive, and in no way solved the unknown. (tbh, when you’re truly busy, you don’t have the time to endlessly “worry” like this.) Instead, they just stopped me from even taking the first step.

I mean.. I’ve said I wanted to move back home for the last 3 years before finally pulling the trigger. Ironically, when I pulled the trigger I still wasn’t ready. All this time, people told me I didn’t have to have it all figured out, and I had to learn for myself. (story of my life). Maybe what I was really lacking was the “willingness” that could only come at my own time.

The difference is now, I’ve learned to let go a bit of control and am ok to start with baby steps.. & baby steps are steps forward too. At the same time, I’ve gained confidence and courage.

“I want it, I got it. If I don’t yet got it, I’ll learn it.”

Maybe it has something to do with my transformation from INFP > ENTP (or Audrey Hepburn > Jack Sparrow). Is it better...? who knows. But as Fitzgerald said, it was always about the “becoming” rather than “being”.

[ms-neleh]

“life skills”

Coming back to Canada after 7 years, and slowly meeting old friends over the weeks...

I see my friends starting families, having babies, thoroughly impressed by their negotiation skills with their kids on sharing toys with siblings, picking food, playtime.. etc

I thought to myself... real life skills, what have I learned all these years? Sales forecasting? Distribution and product strategies? Corporate politics? How to get myself home after a big night out on auto-pilot? How to set healthy boundaries and be self-sufficient? How to pack for a two-wk trip in 20 min (this one is useful)

How about... How to be more patient with my aging parents? How to “mentally” slow down..? I say I want to date but do I truly know how to be intimate and vulnerable..? What is life like outside of work? We also say Canadians are the nicest people, can I call myself out when I assume the bad before the good? OH, thinking about mortgages is a big WOAH moment.

haha.. feels like my life is starting all over again on the other end of the spectrum. It’s gonna be quite the ride but I’m so excited to finally kick start the “real life”.